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#5 out of 75 in New York

Experience the best of American Museum of Natural History

Explore the iconic American Museum of Natural History, where you'll travel through time and space. Discover captivating exhibits on dinosaurs, outer space, and ancient civilizations, all in one visit. Get your tickets to embark on an enlightening journey!
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Slide 1 of 13, American Museum of Natural History entrance, New York City, with visitors outside.
American Museum of Natural History entrance, New York City, with visitors outside.

American Museum of Natural History Tickets

Explore at your pace
1 more

  • Explore the American Museum of Natural History and learn about the planet, the universe, the evolution of our species, wildlife species, dinosaurs, and more, with fun & interactive exhibits & displays.

  • See the largest dinosaur fossil collection, including the T. rex, Apatosaurus, and a 122-foot Titanosaur at the museum.

  • Marvel at over 5,000 minerals, including giant amethyst geodes and fluorescent minerals, in the stunning Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals.

  • At the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, immerse yourself in marine ecosystems with 750+ animal models, including the iconic 94-foot, 21,000-pound blue whale.

  • Choose between dated or flexible entry options. Upgrade your ticket to add access to one or all ticketed exhibitions, including special immersive experiences, or add an audio guide for deeper insights as you explore the American Museum of Natural History. You can also bundle your ticket with top New York attractions to save more and make the most of your trip.

More details

  • Explore the American Museum of Natural History and learn about the planet, the universe, the evolution of our species, wildlife species, dinosaurs, and more, with fun & interactive exhibits & displays.

  • See the largest dinosaur fossil collection, including the T. rex, Apatosaurus, and a 122-foot Titanosaur at the museum.

  • Marvel at over 5,000 minerals, including giant amethyst geodes and fluorescent minerals, in the stunning Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals.

  • At the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, immerse yourself in marine ecosystems with 750+ animal models, including the iconic 94-foot, 21,000-pound blue whale.

  • Choose between dated or flexible entry options. Upgrade your ticket to add access to one or all ticketed exhibitions, including special immersive experiences, or add an audio guide for deeper insights as you explore the American Museum of Natural History. You can also bundle your ticket with top New York attractions to save more and make the most of your trip.

from
$37
Slide 1 of 9, Visitors observing a Triceratops model at the Impact: The End of the Age of Dinosaurs exhibit.
Visitors observing a Triceratops model at the Impact: The End of the Age of Dinosaurs exhibit.

American Museum of Natural History Tickets + All Ticketed Exhibitions

Explore at your pace

  • Get full access to 40+ permanent halls and every ticketed exhibition at the American Museum of Natural History in one seamless visit.

  • See iconic highlights like the Blue Whale and Tyrannosaurus Rex, along with immersive, rotating exhibitions.

  • Explore everything from dinosaurs and ocean life to human cultures, space, and dazzling gems at your own pace.

  • Choose between a timed (dated) entry for a structured visit or a flexible option that lets you visit whenever it suits you.

  • Ideal if you want to experience the museum without missing any of its top exhibits or special displays.

More details

  • Get full access to 40+ permanent halls and every ticketed exhibition at the American Museum of Natural History in one seamless visit.

  • See iconic highlights like the Blue Whale and Tyrannosaurus Rex, along with immersive, rotating exhibitions.

  • Explore everything from dinosaurs and ocean life to human cultures, space, and dazzling gems at your own pace.

  • Choose between a timed (dated) entry for a structured visit or a flexible option that lets you visit whenever it suits you.

  • Ideal if you want to experience the museum without missing any of its top exhibits or special displays.

from
$48
Slide 1 of 9, Family observing a seal exhibit at Life at the Limits: Nature’s Superheroes, American Museum of Natural History.
Family observing a seal exhibit at Life at the Limits: Nature’s Superheroes, American Museum of Natural History.

American Museum of Natural History Tickets + 1 Ticketed Exhibition

Explore at your pace

  • Visit the American Museum of Natural History to explore natural wonders across space & time, and enjoy access to 1 special exhibit, all permanent galleries, and more with this ticket.

  • The museum is home to over 33 million specimens, including the world’s largest dinosaur fossil collection, rare meteorites, stunning minerals, and cultural artifacts from around the globe.

  • Choose from one or all of the special ticketed exhibitions at the Museum that include: Encounters in the Milky Way, Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium, Invisible Worlds, and Impact: The End of the Age of Dinosaurs.

  • Learn more about marine ecosystems with 750+ animal models, especially the iconic life-sized blue whale, in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life.

  • Step into the Rose Center for Earth and Space, featuring the iconic Hayden Planetarium, a must-visit for astronomy enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of the universe.

  • Upgrade for access to all five ticketed exhibitions, unlocking even more immersive science and nature experiences throughout the museum. You can choose between dated tickets or flexible tickets based on your travel plans and itinerary.

More details

  • Visit the American Museum of Natural History to explore natural wonders across space & time, and enjoy access to 1 special exhibit, all permanent galleries, and more with this ticket.

  • The museum is home to over 33 million specimens, including the world’s largest dinosaur fossil collection, rare meteorites, stunning minerals, and cultural artifacts from around the globe.

  • Choose from one or all of the special ticketed exhibitions at the Museum that include: Encounters in the Milky Way, Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium, Invisible Worlds, and Impact: The End of the Age of Dinosaurs.

  • Learn more about marine ecosystems with 750+ animal models, especially the iconic life-sized blue whale, in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life.

  • Step into the Rose Center for Earth and Space, featuring the iconic Hayden Planetarium, a must-visit for astronomy enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of the universe.

  • Upgrade for access to all five ticketed exhibitions, unlocking even more immersive science and nature experiences throughout the museum. You can choose between dated tickets or flexible tickets based on your travel plans and itinerary.

from
$43
Slide 1 of 20, Aerial view of Manhattan skyline with Go City New York Pass logo.
Aerial view of Manhattan skyline with Go City New York Pass logo.

Go City New York All-Inclusive Pass: Access to 100+ Attractions

Extended validity
1 more

  • Ideal if you want to see and do a lot in New York in a short time, with one all-inclusive pass for 1-10 days that keeps sightseeing flexible, spontaneous, and great value.

  • Your pass covers 100+ NYC experiences, from museums and observatories to cruises, bike rentals, bus tours, and guided walks, all managed easily in the Go City app.

  • Visit major New York highlights like the Edge, Empire State Building, One World Observatory, American Museum of Natural History, Guggenheim Museum, and Museum of Broadway.

  • Enjoy the freedom to activate your pass anytime within 1 year of purchase and enjoy sightseeing over consecutive calendar days, depending on the pass chosen.

More details

  • Ideal if you want to see and do a lot in New York in a short time, with one all-inclusive pass for 1-10 days that keeps sightseeing flexible, spontaneous, and great value.

  • Your pass covers 100+ NYC experiences, from museums and observatories to cruises, bike rentals, bus tours, and guided walks, all managed easily in the Go City app.

  • Visit major New York highlights like the Edge, Empire State Building, One World Observatory, American Museum of Natural History, Guggenheim Museum, and Museum of Broadway.

  • Enjoy the freedom to activate your pass anytime within 1 year of purchase and enjoy sightseeing over consecutive calendar days, depending on the pass chosen.

from
$169
Slide 1 of 10, Empire State Building with New York CityPASS logo in foreground.
Empire State Building with New York CityPASS logo in foreground.

New York CityPASS®: Choose 5 Attractions & Save Up To 51%

Extended validity
1 more

  • A curated pass to 5 NYC icons that you visit over 9 consecutive days, with stress-free digital tickets and an intuitive app for easy planning.

  • Enjoy a mix of skyline viewpoints, renowned museums, harbor cruises, ferries, and historic sites while trimming entry costs by up to 51%.

  • Tick off heavy hitters like the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Top of the Rock and Edge.

  • Your unactivated pass remains valid for an entire year, giving you the freedom to book without having to plan ahead.

More details

  • A curated pass to 5 NYC icons that you visit over 9 consecutive days, with stress-free digital tickets and an intuitive app for easy planning.

  • Enjoy a mix of skyline viewpoints, renowned museums, harbor cruises, ferries, and historic sites while trimming entry costs by up to 51%.

  • Tick off heavy hitters like the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Top of the Rock and Edge.

  • Your unactivated pass remains valid for an entire year, giving you the freedom to book without having to plan ahead.

from
$149
Slide 1 of 20, New York City skyline with Empire State Building and rainbow, promoting Go City Explorer Pass.
New York City skyline with Empire State Building and rainbow, promoting Go City Explorer Pass.

Go City New York Explorer Pass: Choose from 100+ Attractions

Extended validity
1 more

  • Short stay or long trip, tailor your NYC adventure with a flexible Explorer Pass that lets you pick 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 10 attractions you actually want to see and save.

  • Inclusions cover museums, observation decks, cruises, bike tours, and more, plus pre-recorded commentary, handy maps, and itineraries in the Go City app.

  • Visit big-name sights like the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, Empire State Building, LEGOLAND Discovery Center New Jersey, and other top attractions in New York City.

  • Enjoy 30 days of sightseeing freedom after you activate the pass, and one full year of validity before activation.

More details

  • Short stay or long trip, tailor your NYC adventure with a flexible Explorer Pass that lets you pick 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 10 attractions you actually want to see and save.

  • Inclusions cover museums, observation decks, cruises, bike tours, and more, plus pre-recorded commentary, handy maps, and itineraries in the Go City app.

  • Visit big-name sights like the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, Empire State Building, LEGOLAND Discovery Center New Jersey, and other top attractions in New York City.

  • Enjoy 30 days of sightseeing freedom after you activate the pass, and one full year of validity before activation.

from
$89

Pro tips to help you make a pick

Admission tickets are not sold onsite so make sure to book your tickets online before your visit.

While your admission ticket provides access to permanent exhibitions, you will have to purchase separate tickets for entry to special exhibits.

The museum hosts a large number of group trips from schools in NYC. To avoid these groups, either visit the museum at 10am during opening time on weekends.

If you are planning on going with your family, keep in mind that children under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult at all times and kids under 3 years do not require tickets to enter the museum.

Opt for combo tickets to make the most of your day in NYC and visit other popular attractions nearby like The Museum of Modern Art and Edge Observation Deck.

Similar things to do in New York

About American Museum of Natural History

If you’re looking for an engaging activity to keep your whole family engaged on your NYC vacation, look no further than the American Museum of Natural History! Its 30 million artifacts on display include specimens of dinosaurs, marine life and even exhibits on space. This is a fun and accessible attraction for those all ages! Bonus fact: this is the museum featured in the popular Hollywood film Night at the Museum! 

Address200 Central Park W, New York, NY 10024, USA
Year opened1869
Founded byAlbert Smith Bickmore
Visitors per year5000000

Did you know?

You might think the exhaustive collection of exhibits you see on display are the entirety of what the museum has to offer. But that’s just 3% of the museum's millions of specimens and cultural artifacts.

Barnum Brown, the man who uncovered the first Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton in 1902, worked at the museum and contributed significantly to its dinosaur collections. You can see one of his skeletal discoveries in the Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs even today!

Even museums aren’t safe from jewel thieves! In 1964, a significant jewel heist took place at the museum, where over $400,000 worth of gems were stolen, including the largest sapphire in the world at the time.

Night at the Museum (2006) is not the only film that features the American Museum of Natural History. You can spot the museum in The Devil Wears Prada (2006), Wonderstruck (2017), Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977), and Malcolm X (1992).

Former President Theodore Roosevelt has contributed to the museum’s collection of specimens. One of the elephants you see at the Akeley Hall of African Mammals was shot by him during a specimen-collecting trip to Africa.

Why visit American Museum of Natural History?

Expansive collection

At the American Museum of Natural History, you can explore one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of natural history exhibits, from towering dinosaur fossils to immersive space shows at the Hayden Planetarium.

See Rexy from Night at the Museum

The Hall of Dinosaurs features an impressive collection of fossil skeletons of the prehistoric giants. Amongst them you can spot the Tyrannosaurus rex that inspired the character of Rexy in the popular film Night at the Museum.

Exhibits that transport you back in time

Be it the life-size blue whale replica or the African and Asian mammals, the exhibits at the museum will put into perspective how we as humans fit into the larger scheme of things when it comes to natural history.

Fun history lesson for kids

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the more popular attractions for kids in NYC. Take your kids along and let them marvel at the life-like exhibits all while learning a thing or two about natural history.

Highlights

Milstein Hall of Ocean Life

The Milstein Hall of Ocean Life at the American Museum of Natural History shows you that marine creatures are second to none, especially its centerpiece, a 94-foot-long model of a blue whale suspended from the ceiling. Featuring over 750 models of sea creatures, this exhibition uses interactive displays and dioramas to transport you through various ocean ecosystems.

Fossil Halls

Some of the most popular attractions at the American Museum of Natural History are its Fossil Halls, including the David H. Koch Dinosaur Wing. With over 600 specimens, 85% of which are actual fossils, these halls host the largest collection of dinosaur fossils in the world.

Rose Center for Earth and Space

With an aim to educate the public about the cosmos and our place within it, the Rose Center for Earth and Space features interactive exhibits and stunning visual displays that you cannot forget! Amongst its various attractions is a six-story glass cube enclosing an 87-foot illuminated sphere that appears to float. The center houses the Hayden Planetarium where you can watch engaging space shows.

Hall of Human Origins

The Anne and Bernard Spitzer Hall of Human Origin presents the story of human evolution over the past six million years through fossil evidence and interactive displays including a human family tree and stations that allow you to compare early human skulls. Here, you can find the famous 3.2-million-year-old skeleton of Lucy.

The Hall of Biodiversity

Celebrate the diversity of life on Earth at the Hall of Biodiversity. The exhibit features three main areas — the Spectrum of Life, which introduces visitors to major categories of living organisms; the immersive Dzanga-Sangha Rainforest diorama, showcasing over 160 species in a Central African rainforest setting; and the Resource Center, which documents the threats to biodiversity and highlights conservation efforts. 

The Margaret Mead Hall of Pacific Peoples

At the Margaret Mead Hall of Pacific Peoples, the rich cultural heritage of the peoples of the Pacific Islands comes alive right in front of you. The hall features approximately 1,500 artifacts collected by anthropologist Margaret Mead during her field research in regions such as Samoa, Bali, and New Guinea.

The Hall of North American Mammals

This exhibit features over 45 meticulously crafted dioramas that showcase mammal species native to Canada, the United States, and Northern Mexico. You can find life-size models of animals such as bison, bears, and wolves. Here, you get to learn about the diversity of wildlife in North America and the conservation efforts in this region.

The Hall of Minerals and Gems

The Hall of Minerals and Gems displays a stunning collection of minerals, gemstones, and meteorites, illustrating the beauty and diversity of Earth's geological resources. With nearly 5,500 objects on display, you will spot famous pieces like the 563-carat Star of India sapphire and massive amethyst geodes, some of the largest on public display.

The Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation

The Richard Gilder Center serves as a hub for scientific exploration and education, featuring interactive exhibits, a butterfly vivarium, and a research library, all designed to foster curiosity and a deeper understanding of the natural world. Spanning 230,000 square feet, the center houses a striking five-story atrium and showcases previously hidden collections and research areas to the public.

Plan your visit

Central Park West (upstairs) at 79th Street

This serves as one of the main entrances to the American Museum of Natural History, providing convenient access for those arriving from Central Park. The entrance is located directly across from the museum and the area is well-connected to public transportation.

81st Street/Rose Center for Earth and Space

This entrance to the museum provides direct access to the Hayden Planetarium. It is located on the northern side of the museum. This entrance is particularly accessible for visitors with strollers and wheelchairs. It is situated near the 81st Street subway station, making it a well-connected entry point for those traveling via public transportation.

Columbus Avenue at 79th Street/Gilder Center

Located on the west side of the museum in Theodore Roosevelt Park, The Columbus Avenue at 79th Street/Gilder Center entrance provides a convenient access point to the American Museum of Natural History. Those entering through the Gilder Center are greeted by the stunning five-story Kenneth C. Griffin Exploration Atrium.

Central Park West (ground level) and 79th Street

The Central Park West and 79th Street entrance is a member-only entrance located at ground level under the grand staircase. It offers priority access to members who can skip the regular lines and quickly enter the museum's expansive galleries and exhibitions from here.

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What our guests say

Miosottis S

Group
Last week

+2 more

Super fast service, and the staff was totally friendly and helpful. We were lost and asked someone on the street for directions; to our surprise, she was an employee there! She took her time and led us straight to the doors, and she wasn't even working—she did it in her free time. Even though it was cloudy, the view was a very lovely experience, and the interactive light section before reaching the platform is incredibly beautiful and fun. I recommend it 100 out of 100.

Combo: American Museum of Natural History Tickets + Edge Observation Deck Timed Entry Tickets

Thomas W

Germany
Group
2 weeks ago
Not much to say here. Booking was quick and easy. The confirmation arrived immediately. There were no problems at all on site. Everything went perfectly. Kudos and 100% recommended

Combo: American Museum of Natural History Tickets + Edge Observation Deck Timed Entry Tickets

Doritha B

United States
Couple
2 weeks ago
It was my birthday and the Summitt exceeded my expectations! Love it. The silver balls wowed me! We are looking forward to return next year.

Combo: American Museum of Natural History + 90-Min NYC Downtown Sightseeing Cruise

Terry T

Canada
Family
2 weeks ago

+7 more

It was wonderful. The venue is vast and grandiose. This place truly exemplifies the prestige that Manhattan and New York City represent. We had a wonderful time!

American Museum of Natural History Tickets

Samuel K

United States
Couple
2 weeks ago
Amazing views and loved the elevator ride. Provided an excellent overview and perspective of the entire NYC metro area!

Combo: One World Observatory Standard Ticket: Skip-the-Box-Office + American Museum of Natural History Tickets

Estefani G

United States
Group
3 weeks ago
The visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island was great. Booking through Headout was very easy, the instructions were clear, and the entire ferry ride was flawless. A thoroughly recommended experience!

Combo: American Museum of Natural History + Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tickets

Fred F

United States
Group
Aug 2026

+5 more

I visited the Empire State Building 25 years ago on a high school field trip as a 16 year old kid from Ohio. Now as a parent myself of a 16-year-old child, I wanted to give my daughter the same breathtaking experience of seeing New York City from the world's most famous skyscraper, the Empire State Building! I was blown away by the updates. We loved walking through the second floor museum and there were many opportunities to take photos. We loved the picture opportunity with King Kong ! Also it was awesome to learn and see how the building was constructed in under 1 year back in 1930. Overall, it was well worth visiting again and we enjoyed every moment that we shared together on the observation deck of the 86th floor. Whether it's your first time or you're bringing your children for the first time it is something that you cannot miss out on experiencing. This is it, The Empire State building and there's nothing like it in the world!

Combo: Empire State Building 86th-Floor + American Museum of Natural History Tickets

Astridah L

United States
Solo
Jul 2026
I visited the Empire State Building on July 3, and the experience was unforgettable. The Art Deco design is stunning up close, and the exhibits—especially the King Kong gallery and construction history—made the visit feel richer and more immersive. The open‑air 86th‑floor deck delivered incredible 360° views of New York City, and even with the summer crowds, everything moved smoothly. It’s easy to see why this landmark remains one of the top attractions in the world. Highly recommended for anyone visiting NYC

Combo: Empire State Building 86th-Floor + American Museum of Natural History Tickets

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